Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and orange zest. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Finally, fold in the sour cream until fully combined.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a large baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the pan to create a water bath, which helps prevent cracks.
Bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.
Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh orange slices for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy the creamy, citrusy goodness in every bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 27g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g